Water anoles, lizards native to Panama and Costa Rica, are known for their ability to remain underwater for extended periods. Recent research led by Kelly Wuthrich, a Ph.D. student in Christian Cox’s lab at Florida International University’s Institute of Environment, has uncovered new insights into the color-changing abilities of these creatures.
Wuthrich’s study focused on female water anoles (Anolis aquaticus) in the Costa Rican jungle. Traditionally, color change in lizards has been associated with camouflage or male signaling. However, her findings suggest that female anoles also use color changes as a form of communication regarding their health and condition.
According to Wuthrich, “People just assume that females are dull in coloration and that they’re not using their signals for male attraction or any sort of communication. But that may not be true.”
The research found that females in better physical condition display bluer, less green lateral stripes along their bodies. These subtle hues may serve as signals to potential mates about fitness but could also indicate broader environmental conditions affecting the species.
Wuthrich noted the transient nature of this coloration: “If environments are changing, that can alter their ability to blend in with their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to predators, or even humans.”
She explained how shifts in skin color fade quickly under stress from factors such as poor nutrition or environmental pressures. This suggests that monitoring these color changes could help track both individual health and ecosystem changes.
“Historically, males have dominated the field and have been the focus of a lot of studies,” said Wuthrich. “I think it’s important to fully understand the extent that females may play with their own signaling, even if it’s not as flashy as males.”
Wuthrich is planning future research into whether these color shifts also influence interactions between female anoles themselves—a topic she hopes will shed light on broader evolutionary questions across more than 400 species within the genus.
“It would give us insights into the evolution of that species itself,” said Wuthrich. “And that matters. Gaining an understanding of our natural world is important. This is where we live, where we come from and we’re all distantly related to each other, even plants.”
Wuthrich expects to graduate in Spring 2026 and intends to continue her work on water anole behavior and communication during further fieldwork in Costa Rica.
